Twin Sisters
Elevation Gain: 2,338 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate as peaks go
Trailhead: Twins Sisters Trailhead- across from Lily Lake on Hwy 7
Twins Sisters has a lot of memories for me since it was the first peak I climbed in the park. I arrived in Estes Park in May of 1976 with a summer job at Longs Peak Inn, owned by Bob and Virginia Akins. About 12 of the staff went on this adventure. What I remember most was the lack of air, the incredible view, my aching legs and the snow storm on the way down making it impossible to peel the orange in my lunch bag. Being a Virginia girl, snow in May was unheard of.
As years went by, Twin Sisters became more of a conditioning hike, something to get ready for bigger and better things. Then in 2007 the trailhead was moved about 1/2 to the north. The trail is now much more enjoyable and scenic with views through the trees down to Lily Lake and across to Long’s Peak. This is still a superb conditioning hike since for a peak the mileage is short with quite a bit of elevation gain.
Twin Sisters is accessible in the winter with either cleats or snowshoes.
